NELSON FIRE BRIGADE.

Colonist, Volume XLI, Issue 9143, 12 April 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

NELSON FIRE BRIGADE.

PICNIC AND SOCIAL. On March the 17th, shortly after nine o'clock, the members of the Nelson -Fire Brigade, together with their wives, families, and friends, left the Fire Brigade Station en route for Thackwood, Wakapuaka, where it had been decided to hold their annual picnic. The party numbered about 120, and the long procession of conveyances looked quite imposing. Soon after reaching Thackwood preparations were made for dinner, which took place at twelve o'clock. .Afterwards games of various kinds were started, and these were in full swing at two o'clock, when rain began to fall heavily. As there appeared no prospects of the weather clearing, it was decided to start back homewards immediately. Although abbreviated, the outing was enjoyed, and Captain Bird and his men did all in their power to administer to the comfort of their guests. It was decided that a SOCIAL should be held in the evening, which took place in King's Hall, at eight o'clock. Captain Bird acted as master of ceremonies, dancing being kept up with spirit until eleven o'clock. In the intervals between the dances, Messrs Woodward, Bird, junior, Wimsett, Lucre, F. N. Jones, Macdonald, Wimsett, and D. Watson contributed songs ; little Misses Macdonald, a duett; Messrs Harford and McGavin a step dance; and Mr D. Watson a humorous recitation. .Captain Bird thanked Mrs Clear for providing the dance music ; Mr King, for the use of the hall ; aud Mr Clear, junior, for acting as accompanist. He hoped that next year they would have better weather for their picnic. The merry party, which .vas thoroughly enjoyed by all, broke up after Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem were sung.